He is Clemson’s solitary man, if you will, an only child who finds regular comfort in spending time with well, No. 1.

“I like hanging out with friends, but whenever I get a chance to be alone, I like it,” Thompson said. “Being an only child I’ve spent time alone all my life, so I don’t have a problem with it.

“A lot of people don’t know that about me because I’m friendly, I get along with everybody. But I don’t depend on being around somebody else, and I guess that’s something that’s unique about me.”

Thompson has played in 27 games over the first two seasons of his career, but has been far from the Tigers’ No. 1 option at wide receiver. He’s now facing a junior season that will likely see him in a backup role once again what with Clemson’s glut of talent at the position.

Yet once again, Thompson is comfortable.

“I feel good about my situation,” he said. “But this year I hope to be making a lot more plays.”
After redshirting as a freshman, Thompson has accumulated a modest 21 receptions over the past two years. But two of those catches came in crucial, late-game situations that ultimately led to Clemson victories.

The first was a key 24-yard reception on third down that led to a fourth-quarter touchdown in a win at South Carolina in 2015.

The other was a 15-yard reception that helped keep alive the Tigers’ game-winning drive against Louisville last season.

“It’s just all about getting a chance and being prepared,” Thompson said. “Coach (Dabo) Swinney always coaches us that when your time comes, you’ve got to step up. So those plays were times when my number was called and I had to step up.”

Thompson, a redshirt junior from Durham, N.C., admits that he’s learned a lot by watching the Tigers’ primary receivers the past few seasons – players such as Mike Williams and Artavis Scott and Sammy Watkins.

“I had a decent role, but they had bigger roles and I learned so much from those guys, so it has been great for me,” Thompson said. “The way they practiced, the way they attacked game days.

“Just being behind them made me want to go harder and do the best I could and be that next guy. With them gone, I feel like it’s time to step up and produce now.”

Thompson has essentially flown under the radar at Clemson, not unlike former receiver Jaron Brown, who was a relatively forgotten weapon while being flanked by DeAndre Hopkins and Watkins.

Brown signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent and is preparing for his fifth season with the team.

“Trevion is kind of the Jaron Brown of this group,” Swinney said. “He just kind of blends in, but he doesn’t blend in on this practice field. He has really worked hard. Trevion is an outstanding player and very valuable.

“He plays multiple positions for us. We cross-train him. I love his work ethic, his attitude. He’s one guy I hope when it’s all said and done this year he’s gotten the fruit of his labor, because he has been very productive on this practice field. He’s put the work in and has become very polished and become an excellent route runner. His body is in great shape, he’s strong, and I’m really proud of him.”

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Clemson co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Tony Elliott said freshman Travis Etienne has been Clemson's most productive runner at camp, but Etienne still must develop as a pass protector.
MANIE ROBINSON / Staff

With Deon Cain and Hunter Renfrow and Ray-Ray McCloud being joined by standout freshmen Tee Higgins and Amari Rodgers, it’s difficult to gauge what impact Thompson will have this season, but this much is certain – he doesn’t mind the competition.

“I love it here because of the competitiveness with the talent we bring in,” Thompson said. “You can’t slack off.

“I’m just going out here every day and practicing hard and taking it one day at a time. Every day is a grind, so I just attack it each and every day.”

And if time allows, spend some quality time with No. 1.

“I like just hanging out by myself,” he said. “I like being alone a lot.”